Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77

By Jordan Freiman News Editor Jordan Freiman is a news editor for CBSNews.com. He covers breaking news, trending stories, sports and crime. Jordan has previously worked at Spin and Death and Taxes. Read Full Bio August 18, 2026 / 3:41 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Frank Beard, longtime ZZ Top drummer, has died, the band confirmed to CBS News. He was 77.A cause of death was not immediately provided, but the band's publicist said in a statement, "He was in hospice care when he passed away at his ranch in Richmond, TX with family members at his side." He died on Monday.Beard, along with guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill, formed ZZ Top in 1969. Hill died in 2021, and at his request, was replaced by his longtime bass tech, Elwood Francis."Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top," Gibbons said in a statement posted on social media. Frank Beard of ZZ Top performs during the $20 Best Night Ever Tour at DTE Energy Center on August 20, 2013, in Clarkston, Michigan. Scott Legato / Getty Images The band said it has canceled its two upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, but that the tour would continue this weekend at Austin City Limits, "one of Frank's favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him."This is a breaking story. It will be updated.